Jan 22 (SO) Nadine de Rosayro, representing the Royal Colombo Yacht Club (RCYC) clinched her third National C'ship title at the Sailing C'ship organized by the SL Yachting Association at the Crow Island navy base in Mattakkuliya, Colombo. At 34 years De Rosayro, a previous title-holder in 2007 and 2021, secured the second position in the Laser Radial Open event and claimed the top spot in the Laser Radial women�s event, earning her National C'pion title for the year. more..

Jan 22 (ST) The arrests this week of five Chinese nationals and a Sri Lankan for allegedly running an online loan scam in Dehiwala show how such scammers are increasingly using social media and messaging apps to target desperate and vulnerable Sri Lankans amid the country�s economic crisis. Police said the scam had been in operation since at least 2021, when the business was registered with the Dept of Registrar more..

Jan 22 (ST) Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of SL, a new era dawns upon the island�s motorsport enthusiasts as the Nippon Paint Mahameruwa Motorsports Arena prepares for its grand unveiling. This visionary project, orchestrated by SL Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR), signifies a monumental leap towards transforming the country�s racing landscape. At the heart of this revolutionary endeavor stands SL�s premier privately owned gravel track � more..

Jan 22 (ST) Beginning next week, the Elections Commission will start implementing campaign finance laws ahead of the presidential election this year, followed by parliamentary elections, a senior official said. Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake told the Sunday Times that the preparation and issuing of Gazette notifications related to elections and the briefing of relevant officials and political party secretaries will begin tomorrow. Within the next two weeks, more..

Jan 22 (ST) When bare-faced lies are uttered by the Prez of a country to the apex court of the land, of what worth is the Constitution? This question arises in the wake of Wednesday�s ruling by the Supreme Court holding that the pardon granted in 2021 by former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa to his political ally, Duminda Silva violated Article 12 (1) of the Constitution in that it was, inter alia, arbitrary and irrational amounting to a wrongful exercise of constitutional discretion. more..

Jan 22 (SO) SL is set to receive 20 diesel-electric locomotives from India as a gift, marking a significant boost for the island nation�s railway system. This unprecedented gesture follows a request made by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, to the Indian Govt, highlighting the island�s urgent need for additional locomotives and spare parts. The locomotives, valued at Rs. 16,000 million, were previously in service with Indian Railways before being replaced by newer electric models. more..

Jan 22 (FT) Treasury has issued definitive strictures to Government expenditure as a priority in short term plans in the process of stabilising the economy amidst challenges. Treasury Secretary has issued a 7-page circular first in the new year under National Budget to all Secretaries to the Ministries, Chief Secretaries of the Provincial Councils, Heads of Depts, District Secretaries, Heads of State Corporations, UGC and more..

Jan 22 (FT) In a strategic move to promote international fair trade and foster global cooperation, SL officially signed the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) with international fair trade networks in Colombo recently. The signing ceremony, attended by representatives from major fair trade and supporting organisations, took place at the Colombo Ramada Hotel. Primary objective of the cooperation framework is to strengthen and improve relationships between fair trade networks more..

Jan 22 (AM) Police implement the action of sending fine sheets to bus owners based on CCTV footage from tomorrow, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) said they will refrain from operating buses from tomorrow. LPBOA chairman Gemunu Wijeratna said the police have planned to send fine sheets based on CCTV footage from tomorrow. Addressing the media he said that it is unfair to send the fine sheets related to the mistakes of the buses to the owner of the bus. more..

Jan 22 (FT) Jaffna district MP S. Shritharan emerged victorious in the leadership election of the ITAK party yesterday. He secured 184 votes to surpass his opponent, MP M.A. Sumanthiran who only secured 134 votes. Shritharan was the favoured candidate for victory, given that he is presently based in Jaffna, unlike Sumanthiran. The 55-year-old hails from Neduntheevu in Jaffna and was educated at more..

Jan 22 (DN) Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 39 runs (DLS) in a rain-affected 22-over match during their Group C in the World Cup in South Africa yesterday. With Zimbabwe�s target reduced from 204 to 129, they were bowled out for 89 runs. Lankan bowling attack led by Malsha Tharupathi (4/17), Vishwa Lahiru (2/12), Ruvishan Perera (2/2), efficiently dismantled the opposition in 21.1 overs. Zimbabwe skipper Matthew Schonken winning the toss elected to bowl first against SL. more..

Jan 22 (DM) Against a backdrop of exorbitant vegetable prices and climate vulnerabilities affecting the crops cultivated in SL�s open-fields, greenhouse agriculture is viewed as a way forward for a more sustainable agricultural landscape. Stakeholders say their endorsement of enclosed or greenhouse cultivation is identifying as a solution to the current unrealistic and unaffordable prices of fresh produce that partly keep 24 percent of the country�s population undernourished. more..

Jan 22 (FT) �Corporates are cautiously optimistic while bracing themselves for the challenges that lie ahead,� business magazine LMD says, in its January edition, citing the findings from the latest Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey. It observes: �Despite the prevailing uncertainties, 21% of poll participants say the economy will improve in terms of the outlook for the next 12 months. This represents an increase of 13 points compared to the preceding month of November (8%).� more..

Jan 22 (SO) The ongoing Red Sea crisis, following the attacks by the Houthi rebels from Yemen which has disrupted the usual shipping lines, has created an opportunity for all major Ports, Colombo, Hambantota and Galle in SL. Maritime expert and CEO of the Shippers� Academy Colombo Rohan Masakorala said that the red sea crisis has forced the international shipping lines that operate on this route to change course and sail close to SL waters bring more business to Colombo Port. more..

Jan 22 (Island) Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, MP, yesterday said that the SJB was having discussions with two dozen SLPP MPs who had indicated their willingness to close ranks with the main opposition party ahead of the forthcoming prez election. Kandy District lawmaker said that the SLPP parliamentary group was in a dilemma as an influential section of it openly backed incumbent Prez Ranil more..

Jan 22 (SO) With the state discouraging public sector jobs, education institutions and universities are now trying to change the mindset of youth to gain employment in private entities and also start their own projects, said Chair Professor. Navaneethakrishnan Kengatharan, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies & Commerce, Uni of Jaffna at the opening of the 14th edition of the Jaffna international Trade fair here on Friday. He said that they are also updating their uni education more..

Jan 22 (EN) Sri Lanka�s huge volatility in exchange and interest rates, which cannot be forecasted for even in the short term and policy changes are key risks for the banking sector and economy, which senior bankers said. Banks should not just give loans to AAA or AA+ clients, says Jonathan Alles, Chief Executive of Hatton National Bank. �What we need is political stability, economic stability, policy consistency,� Alles explained at a forum with Sri Lanka�s Echelon Magazine. more..

Jan 22 (DM) SL Deputy High Commission in Chennai marked a significant milestone on Jan 19, as it hosted a ceremony to deliver the inaugural batch of passports to SL nationals resettled in Tamil Nadu. This initiative, orchestrated by the Govt of SL, introduces "All Country Passports" for the resettled Sri Lankans in TN, India. Under the guidance of Prez Wickremesinghe, SL Deputy High Commission in Chennai, in collaboration with key stakeholders, successfully implemented the program. more..

Jan 22 (AD) Three minor staff members of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital including a female, who were arrested in connection with a complaint by the hospital�s senior oncologist alleging assault, have been remanded in custody until 29 Jan.The order was issued by the Galle Magistrate�s Court after the arrested suspects were produced before the court. Earlier, the Galle Police had arrested three minor staff members including a female of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital this morning (21) more..

Jan 22 (PMD) President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the 3rd South Summit today (21) in Kampala, Uganda, highlighted the numerous challenges the world faces, such as conflicts, pandemic repercussions, climate disasters and financial market uncertainties. The President also emphasized the disproportionate impact on vulnerable G77 economies. In his statement, Prez Wickremesinghe stressed the urgency of more..

Jan 22 (AD) Ven. Ratnapure Wimalabuddha, the controversial saffron-robbed monk claiming to be Vishwa Buddha, who was re-arrested by the CID over allegedly issuing statements demeaning Buddhism, has been expelled from the monkhood. This decision has been communicated to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs by Chief Prelate of SL Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimalabhidhana Thero. Sangha Sabha Committee of Ramanna more..

Jan 22 (FT) Minister Bandula Gunawardena last week revealed that the development schemes are set to begin in February following the finalisation of agreements related to the debt restructuring and ongoing discussions with foreign creditors. Speaking to journalists at the Prez Media Centre he highlighted key aspects of the upcoming initiatives. The restructuring of foreign debt, reaching its final stages, signals the impending resumption of halted development projects in the country,� he said. more..

Jan 22 (CT) In a remarkable development, vegetable prices have witnessed a noteworthy decline of 40 to 54% within a space of five days, as consumers have refused to buy vegetables, due to sky-rocketing prices and have opted to buy fish and meat instead. The demand for the vegetable was significantly reduced as the price of fish at the Peliyagoda Fish Market has dropped. more..

Jan 22 (FT) In 2024, Sri Lankan voters will be given the choice of electing their leaders through the power of the ballot. This is an important occasion for Sri Lanka which is a long surviving democracy in South Asia, next only to India. However, a common allegation is that, throughout the post-independence history, the voters have not done their job correctly. Instead of being rational choosers, they have acted on emotions created by political leaders of all hues. There are many examples which more..

Jan 22 (EN) The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will accept the resignation tendered by any of its employees, Power and Energy Minister has said. �I have instructed CEB management to accept resignations of any individual without hesitation and to recover all dues to CEB,� Kanchana Wijesekera said on X Monday. Wijesekera was responding to reports of trade unions saying that 5,000 CEB employees were ready to stop work over recent disciplinary action against colleagues. more..

Jan 22 (EN) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and SL Export Development Board (EDB) are working to introduce SL ICT companies to the Japanese market, the EDB said. The project �aims to assist approximately 30 SME ICT/BPM companies and tech startups in two cohorts over a two-year period starting in 2024 by providing market intelligence, business coaching and matchmaking support,� EDB said on its website. JICA agreed to extend �Japanese technical assistance for more..

Jan 22 (Wisden) The 29-year-old, who has played six T20Is for Sri Lanka, is building a portfolio in franchise cricket, with today (January 21) marking his bow for MI Cape Town in South Africa�s SA20. Handed the new ball up against the formidable opening pairing of Jos Buttler and Jason Roy, he began with an exemplary yorker and mixed slower balls in as well, but was hit for three boundaries in his first two overs as Paarl Royals began strongly. When he returned for the 18th over, more..

Jan 22 (DM) The police today launched the special programme aimed at identifying motorists violating traffic rules through the CCTV system in Colombo. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Acting IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon launched the programme at the CCTV division in Colombo with the identification of the first traffic violation through the CCTV system. There are reportedly at least 108 CCTV cameras within the Colombo city, more..

Jan 22 (CT) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) is due to discuss the CEB's proposed electricity tariff revision at a meeting scheduled for today. A final decision on the matter is expected to be reached during this meeting and following the decision, both the proposal and the PUCSL�s determination will be disclosed to the public within a three-week period. PUCSL will then incorporate public feedback to modify the proposal and present the final tariff revision to the CEB. more..

Jan 22 (DM) Yukthiya operation should not be a drama but should be aimed at apprehending main drug dealers in the country, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said. He said there is no point in arresting hundreds of ordinary people without arresting main drug traffickers in SL. "If major drug traffickers are not arrested under the Yukthiya Operation it will become another drama. Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennekoon will not be able to travel along the streets if he continues to make Yukthiya operation more..

Jan 22 (AD) The death toll from the shooting incident in the Beliatta area in Tangalle this morning has climbed to five after one more person admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds had succumbed to injuries, a short while ago. Earlier, Police said that the shooting had been carried out by a group of unidentified gunmen in a vehicle and that they had opened fire at five persons traveling in a Defender. Four of the five persons in the Defender more..

Jan 22 (FT) Technology is said to be an expression of human creativity. It is widely accepted that technological advancements have improved our standards of living significantly. Technology does not come free of charge despite certain free and open technologies offered in a few domains. Therefore, affordability is becoming a challenge and it has led to a division in society. Newer terms such as digital divide signify this phenomenon. Moreover, profit motives may often prompt business firms more..

Jan 22 (AD) 3 minor staff members of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital who were arrested and remanded in connection with a complaint by the hospital�s senior oncologist alleging assault, have been granted bail. The relevant order was issued by the Galle Magistrate�s Court on Monday (22), upon consideration of a motion filed by the accused seeking bail. The three minor staff, including a female, were arrested on 21 Jan, over an alleged assault incident based on a complaint filed by more..

Jan 22 (AD) Bar Association of SL (BASL) has raised concerns pertaining to the recent surge in fatalities in the country involving the police. In a statement issued on Monday, BASL called on the relevant authorities to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter. BASL urged for the said investigation, recalling the recent death of a lorry driver in the Damepelessa area in Narammala, after a Police Sub-Inspector�s firearm had allegedly accidentally discharged during more..

Jan 22 (DM) Govt�s move to pass the Online Safety Bill in Parliament this week and to bring repressive laws to take the country into a dictatorship is a narrow effort to suppress right to expression in winning the upcoming election, leading media and civil society groups voiced their opinion. Media, Civil Society and Trade Union Collective to Rise against Oppressive Laws issuing a joint statement to the media through Free Media Movement (FMM) and SL Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) more..